National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day Observed Feb. 7 -- Communities Nationwide Hold Events to Raise Awareness

NEWS RELEASE
SONSHINE COMMUNICATIONS
Media Contact: Pam Mason
Phone: 305-948-8063
Fax: 305-948-8074

February 7, 2004 is the fourth annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day (NBHAAD). This national mobilization effort is designed to encourage African Americans across the United States and Territorial Areas to get educated, get tested and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. Special events such as free HIV/AIDS testing, prayer breakfasts, town hall meetings and memorial services will be held throughout the country.

While African Americans represent approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the group accounts for more than a third (38 percent) of the nation's AIDS cases. CDC figures also show that in 2002, AIDS was the leading cause of death for African Americans between the ages of 25 and 44; and in the same year African Americans accounted for more than half (54 percent) of estimated new HIV infections in the United States.

"Statistics show that African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic's beginning," says Dr. John Robertson, Executive Director of National Black Alcoholism and Addictions Council, one of the four NBHAAD sponsoring organizations. "If we increase the dialogue and get everyone involved, we will be able to galvanize our communities to take action and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS."

While NBHAAD is a nationwide movement, organizers are focusing efforts in 16 targeted cities where HIV/AIDS prevalence is most high. These cities include Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham, Trenton and Washington, D.C.

"NBHAAD is honored to have several community leaders and celebrities lend their name and time to serve as spokespeople for this important day," said Robertson. "We are currently producing public service announcements with several to be aired in advance of February 7th."

Among the confirmed spokespersons to date include: gospel recording artist Vanessa Bell Armstrong; Sistah To Sistah Magazine Publisher Jamie Foster Brown; U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Dr. Creflo A. Dollar, Sr. Pastor of World Changers Ministries; Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy; Bishop Darryl Hines, Sr. Pastor of Christian Faith Fellowship Church; U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson; Roland Martin, nationally syndicated columnist and author of Speak, Brother; U.S. Congressman Kendrick P. Meek; Rap Artist Nelly; U. S. Congressman Charles P. Rangel; and U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

NBHAAD was co-founded by five national organizations: Concerned Black Men, Inc. of Philadelphia, Jackson State University - Mississippi Urban Research Center, Health Watch Information and Promotion Service, National Black Alcoholism & Addictions Council, and the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. This group is commonly referred to as the Community Capacity Building Coalition, and is funded by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness & Information Day 2004, visit the website at www.blackaidsday.org or call 1-877-867-1446.